Question:
What all is intailed in having a blood transfusion?

My Dr. says that just taking iron sups. won't bring my iron up enough. So, he is suggesting that I have my surgeon contact him to set up a blood transfusion before surgery. At this time, my surgeon won't do the surgery until my iron is up to normal. So, what I need to know, is what is done when you get a transfusion(other than the obvious blood exchange), how is it done. Is it safe to use the blood from a blood band(have no close relatives that can help). Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — Cindy P. (posted on June 21, 2003)

June 21, 2003
A blood transfusion starts with them doing a type and crossmatch to find out what type you are and what is compatible. Then they just put a big bore (large needle) iv line in and hook the bag of blood up. They watch you closely and monitor your vital signs frequently for a bad reaction. Some people itch a little and they give you tylenol and bendryl. The blood in blood banks now is safe. Ten years ago it wasn't. I had three pints transfused last year before surgery for another problem and it made a world of difference. I began to feel better after the first pint. Hope this helps some.
   — Delores S.

June 21, 2003
Delores is correct in all that she said. I just wanted to add this: No blood is taken from you - it's just added to you. I had to have 5 pints after hysterectomy surgery because of severe anemia and bleeding more than normal during surgery. It saved my life. Just to settle my mind, I had HIV testing 2 years later and it was negative. The blood banks are even safer now. There is also IV iron therapy in which you are hooked up to an IV for approximately 30 minutes once a week and iron is given to you through the IV. It took 6 months for me to get my iron levels up this way, though (this was after I had the hysterectomy and was still very low on iron.) I'm having surgery July 1 and said yes to a blood transfusion if needed.
   — Liz R.

June 22, 2003
I had two units of blood from the blood bank after a hip replacement revision surgery 2 years ago.( I had already donated one unit and my husband donated one. Unfortunately, 2 weeks after the hip replacement--and those two units, I needed a revision and two more units) When I asked about flying my son down to donate or having him donate and flying his blood in, I was told how prohibitive the cost would be and that the time required to process the blood would be too long. Therefore, I went with the blood bank.) One nurse checks the bag of blood--then another nurse checks to be sure the first nurse checked it correctly. The blood was then hooke up by IV to a vein in my arm. I had no feeling of anything different that I can remember as blood went in. I did not need benadryl or anything. Two years later, I do not have AIDS, hepatitis, or anything to be concerned about. It helped me with the fatigue factor. I had no concerns aaand no regrets as to getting the blood transfusions and would go with the surgeon's decision.
   — Margaret S.